HC Deb 24 March 1882 vol 267 cc1817-8
SIR HARRY VERNEY

asked the First Lord of the Treasury, What action Her Majesty's Government will take with regard to the proposed submarine tunnel, uniting England with the Continent, and thus destroying the insular position of our Country, which it is important to maintain for Military considerations, and which might have the effect of diverting from England, now the entrepôt of commerce between the East and the West, a trade highly beneficial to her commercial and shipbuilding interests?

MR. GLADSTONE

Sir, the hon. Member is no doubt aware that this question has been referred to a scientific Committee for examination. The Report of the Committee will be subjected to the consideration of the military authorities. It will be the duty of the Government to advise the House, at the proper time, what course they should take; but, in the meantime, all the Bills are postponed.

SIR HARRY VERNEY

But the work will still be going on?

MR. GLADSTONE

The excavations are proceeding under the surface of the foreshore; and the question as to whose is the title of the foreshore is in dispute. The Board of Trade is giving attention to the subject.